A/C and fuel question
#1
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A/C and fuel question
Hello!
I need you guys help to settle a family argument. Yes, really,and in the automotive section too. What I need to know has to do with A/C as you can see from the title.
We have an 94 Hyundai Galloper (same as Mitsubishi Montero) and if you don't know what that is it is a mid size SUV. It has a 2.5 liter Turbo Diesel engine,and A/C. We have sort of an arguement going on as to how much difference A/C makes in fuel consumption.I don't think it's enough to worry about, altho it does pull down on the engine some, but my dad does,so he doesn't like to run it,and whoever is riding in the third seat gets pretty uncomfortable.
What I want to know is this, does anyone have the "official" percent of fuel consumption increase for this type of vehicle? Our noramal "cruising spped" would be around 50-70 mph. And also I would like for anyone to put on his opinion whether it be for or against.
lookin forward to your answers
Tornerito
I need you guys help to settle a family argument. Yes, really,and in the automotive section too. What I need to know has to do with A/C as you can see from the title.
We have an 94 Hyundai Galloper (same as Mitsubishi Montero) and if you don't know what that is it is a mid size SUV. It has a 2.5 liter Turbo Diesel engine,and A/C. We have sort of an arguement going on as to how much difference A/C makes in fuel consumption.I don't think it's enough to worry about, altho it does pull down on the engine some, but my dad does,so he doesn't like to run it,and whoever is riding in the third seat gets pretty uncomfortable.
What I want to know is this, does anyone have the "official" percent of fuel consumption increase for this type of vehicle? Our noramal "cruising spped" would be around 50-70 mph. And also I would like for anyone to put on his opinion whether it be for or against.
lookin forward to your answers
Tornerito
#2
The show mythbusters did this test.They did the myth is it better on gas to drive the the A/C on full blast or the windows down.Turned out the A/C draned the gas faster.The a/c takes power on the engine.When city buses use the air for the first time they tend to stall the engine.
Originally Posted by Tornerito
Hello!
I need you guys help to settle a family argument. Yes, really,and in the automotive section too. What I need to know has to do with A/C as you can see from the title.
We have an 94 Hyundai Galloper (same as Mitsubishi Montero) and if you don't know what that is it is a mid size SUV. It has a 2.5 liter Turbo Diesel engine,and A/C. We have sort of an arguement going on as to how much difference A/C makes in fuel consumption.I don't think it's enough to worry about, altho it does pull down on the engine some, but my dad does,so he doesn't like to run it,and whoever is riding in the third seat gets pretty uncomfortable.
What I want to know is this, does anyone have the "official" percent of fuel consumption increase for this type of vehicle? Our noramal "cruising spped" would be around 50-70 mph. And also I would like for anyone to put on his opinion whether it be for or against.
lookin forward to your answers
Tornerito
I need you guys help to settle a family argument. Yes, really,and in the automotive section too. What I need to know has to do with A/C as you can see from the title.
We have an 94 Hyundai Galloper (same as Mitsubishi Montero) and if you don't know what that is it is a mid size SUV. It has a 2.5 liter Turbo Diesel engine,and A/C. We have sort of an arguement going on as to how much difference A/C makes in fuel consumption.I don't think it's enough to worry about, altho it does pull down on the engine some, but my dad does,so he doesn't like to run it,and whoever is riding in the third seat gets pretty uncomfortable.
What I want to know is this, does anyone have the "official" percent of fuel consumption increase for this type of vehicle? Our noramal "cruising spped" would be around 50-70 mph. And also I would like for anyone to put on his opinion whether it be for or against.
lookin forward to your answers
Tornerito
#3
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from what i understand (from a local news cast) is if you use the a/c around town, 35-45 mph, stop and go, windows up, gas consumption would
increase, windows down, no a/c , better mpg. but when traveling at highway speeds, 55+ with the windows up, a/c on, mpg was better because of the drag the car would have, with open windows, sort of creating a parachute effect with the a/c off.
most newer cars have a switch built in to the a/c to turn it off and on when it demands for comfort, and power demands. as for me, if it is hot, i will run the a/c, be danged the consumption.
barry
ps. welcome to the diy forums, we try to help.
increase, windows down, no a/c , better mpg. but when traveling at highway speeds, 55+ with the windows up, a/c on, mpg was better because of the drag the car would have, with open windows, sort of creating a parachute effect with the a/c off.
most newer cars have a switch built in to the a/c to turn it off and on when it demands for comfort, and power demands. as for me, if it is hot, i will run the a/c, be danged the consumption.
barry
ps. welcome to the diy forums, we try to help.
#4
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not much
The myth busters had a good show were it made no diffreance going around a race track but they kept the speed the same.
I do not know about around town but I tell you one thing here in Texas were it is super hot and Humid I use it I dont care my comfort is numer one.
I really do not think it matters that much maybe .5 miles to the gallon not worth me getting all hot over.
I do not know about around town but I tell you one thing here in Texas were it is super hot and Humid I use it I dont care my comfort is numer one.
I really do not think it matters that much maybe .5 miles to the gallon not worth me getting all hot over.
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im sure it can lower the mpg when using the a/c possibly as much as 1 to 2 mpg lower than when not using the a/c but this is generally worth the loss to keep the vehicle at a comfortable temperature for most people.
#6
Why not do your own study? Keep a careful log of consumption for a significant period, say one month, where you use the ac as little as possible. The following month [and the warring parties have to be in agreement] run the ac all the time. Compare results and report back. The one month trial periods will include all types of driving; just need to make sure the results are adjusted for the miles driven [you may drive more miles in one month than another].